In the Bible, the horn was symbol of strength because of its use as a weapon by horned beasts (Deuteronomy 33; Psalm 74; 131). It is frequently mentioned to signify power and glory: “in my name shall his horn be exalted” (Psalm 88); “his horn shall be exalted in glory” (Psalm 111); “my horn is exalted in my God” (I Kings 2), “the horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 48). The horn was used as a vase among the Hebrews and other nations, and held the oil used for anointing: “The Lord said to Samuel…fill thy horn with oil, and come, that I may send thee to Isai. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him” (1 Kings 16). The projecting points on the altar of the holocaust were called horns (Exodus 30), and were smeared with the blood of the sacrificial victim (Exodus 27; Leviticus 4). Criminals were free from danger as long as they took hold of these horns (3 Kings 1; 2.)

As an emblem in art, various forms of the horn have become associated with